COVID – 19: Grant Us Tax Exemption On Gift-in-Kind Items

National Director of World Vision Ghana (WVG), Dickens Thunde has appealed to the government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to grant them tax exemption on Gift – in – Kind Items they receive from their donors in complimenting government’s efforts of providing quality healthcare in the country.

He made this known in a speech delivered on his behalf by Joshua Baidoo, South Operations Manager, WVG during a presentation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in their efforts in fighting the COVID – 19 pandemic to the KIA Green Light Health Centre (under the Eastern Regional Health Directorate and Fanteakwa South District) on May 21, 2020 at Saamang.

Mr. Thunde indicated that should the government grant them their request, they believe it will motivate their partners and donors overseas to commit more resources in bringing related and needy items such as the ones donated to the KIA Green Light Health Centre.

He added that although they recognize the efforts of government through the Health Ministry and GHS in combating the pandemic, we all should be concerned about the increasing cases of infections.

“World Vision Ghana and Donor: KIA Motors are concerned about the impact that the COVID – 19 health crisis will have on the poorest and most vulnerable, and the risks it poses to already stretched basic social services and pre-existing high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition among others.”

He gave an assurance that through their donors, including KIA Motors, they “will continue to support government’s efforts at not only fighting the pandemic but making access to improved and affordable health services to” community members, especially children who are the most vulnerable.

The items donated by WVG through their donor, KIA Motors valued at GH₵134,000.00 to the health facility include Mask, high – fil., FFP2/N- 95, no – valve, non-sterile/ Surgical face mask, Coverall, protection, Face Shield, Carbonic soap, Gloves, Hand sanitizer Thermometer guns, among others.

Peter Boabeng, Deputy Director, Administration, Regional Health Directorate in his words said they are grateful to WVG with the support of KIA Motors for the donation which will help to improve on their service delivery and also appealed to other organizations to come to their aid by donating more PPE to them to help in the fight against the pandemic.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Fanteakwa South District, Adjabeng Kwesi Ntori emphasized on the need to wear nose masks every time and adhering to the hygiene protocols in order to prevent the disease.

The Assembly Member for Saamang Electoral Area, Gyeatuo Kyenkyenku noted that as health workers and health facilities attendants need protection in the wake of the pandemic, the items donated in a long way are going to help in the prevention of the pandemic.

The Queen Mother, Nana Boahemaa expressed her words of appreciation to WVG and KIA Motors for their kind gesture to the community which will help in the battle against COVID – 19.

Seth Glefoti, Principal Physician Assistant in charge of the health facility who pledged that they are going to put the items to good use maintained that they have arrived at the right time as the facility is battling with PPE to protect staff and clients from contracting the COVID – 19 disease.

The KIA Green Light is a 5 year project which started in 2018 and ending in 2023. It is located at Osino Sub-district of Fanteakwa South District with a total budget of about USD884, 000 and the funding agency is KIA Motors, Korea.

The project which is being implemented in partnership with KIA Motors, Korea and World Vision (Korea/Ghana) has the goal of contributing to the reduction of maternal and child mortalities and morbidities in the district.

It was commissioned on 6th November, 2019 and handed over to the GHS and started operations the day after.